Patent No. EP4426136 (titled "A Method For Treating Tobacco Material And Treated Tobacco Material") was filed by Philip Morris on Nov 4, 2022. The application was issued on Aug 6, 2025.
This method for treating tobacco material involves anaerobic fermentation to enhance organoleptic properties and reduce harmful compounds without additives. Fermentation is stopped when at least one of the following thresholds relative to initial amounts is met: Lactic Acid (>10x), Reducing Sugars (<0.5x), Indole-3 Lactic Acid (>5x), caffeic acid (>4x), quinic acid (>2x), asparagine (<0.5x), Glutamine (<0.5x), L-Ornithine (>10x), L-Leucine (>2x), or L-Lysine (>2x). Alternatively, fermentation stops when the fermentation index—the ratio of Lactic Acid increase to Reducing Sugar decrease—exceeds 50. The process may include applying pressure (1,000–15,000 kg/m²) or extending fermentation for at least one month. The resulting material is suitable for use in aerosol-generating articles.

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